1. Steele (5-0)
Last ranking: No. 1
Last game: Defeated San Marcos 42-14
The reason: The Knights’ starters took it easy against the overmatched Rattlers…and they’ll likely be doing that often. Expect to see the Steele reserves a bunch with an upcoming schedule that includes a bye, Corpus Christi King and South San.
Up next: Idle

2. Smithson Valley (5-0)
Last ranking: No. 2
Last game: Defeated Corpus Christi King 44-6
The reason: The Rangers lost QB Garrett Smith to injury early last week, but didn’t miss a beat behind Austin Pierce. That, plus another vintage performance from Lawrence Mattison (174 yards, four TDs). SV will rest up this week before starting 25-5A play against San Marcos.
Up next: Idle

3. Brandeis (4-1, 2-0)
Last ranking: No. 3
Last game: Defeated Stevens 43-7
The reason: It’s safe to say that the Broncos have hit their groove as the only thing that could slow them down last Thursday was an endless string of TV timeouts. Unfortunately for Taft, this week’s game won’t be broadcast so the Trinton Ynclan train will keep rolling.
Up next: vs. Taft

Marquis Warford can tackle, too. Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer/Express-News

4. Madison (3-2, 1-0)
Last ranking: No. 4
Last game: Defeated Churchill 49-14
The reason: There’s the Marquis Warford we’ve been waiting for. The senior RB had been having a solid season, but he was spectacular last week, rushing for 358 yards and four TDs on 12 carries. And that was with the passing game limited by the rain. In normal conditions, Madison offense is scary good.
Up next: vs. No. 8 Roosevelt

5. Reagan (3-1)
Last ranking: No. 5
Last game: Idle
The reason: It’s looking like Jake Perez will likely be Reagan’s QB again even after the off week. Still, a bye week can only help the Rattlers get healthier overall.
Next up: vs. Lee

6. O’Connor (3-2, 1-1)
Last ranking: No. 6
Last game: Defeated Jay 17-7
The reason: The Panthers avoided a let down against the scrappy Mustangs last week and have to like the way the season is shaping up. Two losses against Top 5 teams (Brandeis, Reagan) is nothing to be ashamed of.
Next up: vs. Marshall

7. Judson (3-2)
Last ranking: No. 7
Last game: Defeated Corpus Christi Carroll 59-0
The reason: We knew Carroll was struggling, but that final score is still surprising considering the Rockets were on the road. RBs Jarveon Williams and Brandon Sanders each topped 100 yards. Judson’s hitting on all cylinders at the right time, just before district play begins.
Up next: Idle

8. Roosevelt (4-1, 1-0)
Last ranking: No. 9
Last game: Defeated Lee 40-13
The reason: The Rough Riders are the only 5A team to move up in the rankings after taking care of business against Lee. A win this week, and Roosevelt could shoot up the rankings.
Up next: vs. No. 4 Madison

9. East Central (3-2)
Last ranking: Not ranked
Last game: Defeated New Braunfels 24-21
The reason: A week out of the rankings seemed to do the Hornets good as they bounced back to beat the Unicorns, probably the best 1-4 team in the area. Plus, EC got a 200-yard game out of backup RB Johnathan Jackson. That bodes well as district play starts next week.
Up next: Idle

10. Wagner (3-2)
Last ranking: No. 8
Last game: Lost to Monterrey Tech 27-24
The reason: The T-birds loss was brutal–blowing a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter. But we can’t hold a loss to an out-of-country team, one that has defeated some top Texas teams, against them all that much. We’ll see how Wagner bounces back after the bye.
Up next: Idle

1. Brennan (5-0, 1-0)
Last ranking: No. 1
Last game: Defeated Edison 35-17
The reason: Brennan had a bit of trouble getting by the pesky Golden Bears. Ten fumbles (four lost) in the rain had a lot to with that. Other than the turnovers, the running game (Nathaniel Wells: 233 yards, three TDs) and defense looked solid.
Up next: vs. Brackenridge

2. Alamo Heights (3-1, 1-0)
Last ranking: No. 3
Last game: Defeated No. 2 Boerne Champion 24-0
The reason: We didn’t think the Mules couldn’t beat Champion. We just doubted they could be that dominant. But a stout defense, a power running game and lots and lots of rain helped Heights dismantle its rival, on the Chargers’ homecoming no less.
Up next: vs. Seguin

3. Kerrville Tivy (2-2, 1-0)
Last ranking: No. 4
Last game: Defeated Clemens 34-13
The reason: The Antlers bounced back nicely in their district opener after two humbling losses against powerhouse 5A teams. This week, we’ll see if they’re district-title contenders against undefeated Hays.
Up next: vs. Hays

4. Boerne Champion (2-2, 0-1)
Last ranking: No. 2
Last game: Lost to No. 3 Alamo Heights 24-0
The reason: Barring another passing-game-killing monsoon, the Chargers should be OK. But last week’s loss did expose one big weakness: the lack of a running attack.
Up next: at Kyle Lehman

5. Antonian (5-0)
Last ranking: No. 5
Last game: Defeated No. 6 Devine 27-6
The reason: After last week’s convincing win, it’s clear that the Apaches are for real. Wins against Navarro, Holy Cross, Boerne and Devine are all quality. Oh, and Sterling Holmes is very, very good.
Up next: at Poteet

6. Harlandale (4-0, 1-0)
Last ranking: No. 7
Last game: Defeated Medina Valley 51-41
The reason: The Indians are proving they’re the real deal, too. And, they can score in a multitude of ways. Against the Panthers, Nicholas Martinez exploded for 334 yards and four TDs. The reason Harlandale is at No. 6 and not higher than the 2-2 teams above simply has to do with strength of schedule.
Up next: at Floresville

7. Pleasanton (5-0)
Last ranking: No. 8
Last game: Defeated Carrizo Springs 47-0
The reason: The Eagles just keep winning behind a methodically good passing game. Luke Walters (19 TDs, 0 INTs) is a dark horse candidate for QB of the Year.
Up next: at Crystal City

8. Devine (4-1)
Last ranking: No. 9
Last game: Lost to No. 5 Antonian 27-6
The reason: The Warhorses aren’t quite to Gingerbread Man-era level greatness yet, but they’re on their way. Jordan Fraga still leads the area in rushing. For Devine, it’s about getting those new faces more experience before the playoffs.
Up next: Idle

9. Somerset(4-1)
Last ranking: No. 10
Last game: Defeated Kingsville King 42-34
The reason: A late King rally made last week’s score appear closer than the game was. We all know about Koy Detmer Jr. by now, but how about RB Donaldo Perez? 30 carries for 210 yards last week. A tough test this week.
Up next: at Hondo

10. Navarro (4-1)
Last ranking: Not ranked
Last game: Defeated Sam Houston 30-13
The reason: Welcome to the Top 10, Panthers. They got here because of one of the most diverse and dangerous rushing attacks around. Zane Conlin, L.J. Anderson, Evan Deleon and Jay Leal all have at least 42 carries and 381 yards this season.
Up next: Idle